Sidney Clarke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sidney Clarke
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kansas's at-large district |
|
| In office March 4, 1865 – March 3, 1871 |
|
| Preceded by | A. Carter Wilder |
| Succeeded by | David P. Lowe |
| Acting Mayor of Oklahoma City | |
| In office November 11, 1889 – November 12, 1889 |
|
| Preceded by | William Couch |
| Succeeded by | Andrew Jackson Beale |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 16, 1831 Southbridge, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | June 18, 1909 (aged 77) Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S. |
| Resting place | Fairlawn Cemetery |
| Political party | Republican |
| Signature |  |
Sidney Clarke (born October 16, 1831 – died June 18, 1909) was an important American politician. He served as a U.S. Representative for Kansas. This means he was elected to speak for the people of Kansas in the national government.
Clarke also held important roles in Kansas and Oklahoma. He was the Speaker of the Kansas state house of representatives. Later, he became a legislator in the Oklahoma Territory. He played a big part in the movement to make Oklahoma a state.
Early Life and Military Service
Sidney Clarke was born in Southbridge, Massachusetts. He went to public schools there. In 1854, he worked as a publisher for a newspaper called the Southbridge Press.
In 1859, Clarke moved to Lawrence, Kansas. When the Civil War began, he joined the army as a volunteer. President Abraham Lincoln chose him for a special job in 1863. Clarke became an assistant adjutant general, helping to manage military operations. He served as a captain and helped oversee military police duties in Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and Dakota.
Serving in Congress
Sidney Clarke was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He was a member of the Republican party. He served three terms in Congress, from March 4, 1865, to March 3, 1871.
During his time in Congress, Clarke led the Committee on Indian Affairs. This committee worked on issues related to Native American tribes. He tried to get re-elected in 1870 but was not successful.
Life After Congress
After his time in Washington D.C., Clarke returned to Kansas. In 1879, he was elected to the Kansas state house of representatives. He served as the Speaker, which means he was in charge of the meetings and debates.
In 1889, Clarke moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. There, he became involved in building railroads. He continued to be active in politics. In 1891, he led a committee working to make Oklahoma a state. He also served on the Territorial Council from 1898 to 1902. Clarke was even the second provisional mayor of Oklahoma City for a short time.
Sidney Clarke passed away in Oklahoma City in 1909. He was buried in Fairlawn Cemetery.
